Tag

Girl Power

#FashionistaFaves: Denver Fashion Blogger
Rae Everyday

In a world where our news feeds are over flowing with negativity, hate speech, and online bullying, it’s become more important than ever to foster an online community that inspires, encourages, and lifts each other up. It is our ultimate pleasure to introduce you to this month’s Fashionista Fave, Raeann, who has created this very space.

Say hello to one of our faves, Denver fashion blogger, Raeann (more popularly known as Rae Everyday ). This 23-year-old curve model with Wilhelmina Modeling Agency has created an online community where she inspires her readers to follow their dreams, express themselves freely, and encourages them to feel comfortable in their own skin. Raeann also shares coveted fashion tips and the latest and greatest in beauty buzz.

We caught up with this fashionista to get the inside scoop behind her incredible success on Instagram, her own personal style and what inspired her to start blogging.

Let’s start from the beginning. What made you start your own blog?

I realized the blogging world was missing influencers who were in between straight size and plus size. I loved looking to fashion bloggers for style inspiration, but I couldn’t find anyone my size who was blogging. I thought there must be other women out there searching for style inspiration and tips on how to dress a curvy figure so Rae Everyday was born. I think that we live in a world where everyone obsesses over size 0 models. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it is important to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and it’s important to me that curvy girls have a fashion inspiration to look up to.

How would you describe your individual style?

Simple and sophisticated. Having simplistic staples in your closet makes it way easier to create trendy outfits. It’s completely okay to wear a plain black tee and dress it up with a necklace. You don’t need to be super over the top in order to have a good sense of style.

How would you describe your audience, fans, and followers? Why do you think they are so loyal to you?

I think I’ve created a great community where women can be free to be themselves and find inspiration on fashion and beauty trends. Like I said before, I think I have been able to show women and girls that being curvy is okay and I want them to feel confident in their own skin.

What do you think the secret to your success on Instagram is?

It is all about creating high-quality content on a consistent basis. If you are creating beautiful content people will want to follow you! If you’re looking to expand your blog or Instagram following, picture quality and layout is key. Keeping a consistent vibe throughout your channels makes scrolling through your feed esthetically pleasing and gives you your own online brand.

What’s the one wardrobe essential you can’t live without?

A leather jacket. You can wear it with anything! It’s definitely the perfect way to spice up an outfit.

When you can’t find anything to wear, what’s your go-to outfit?

Black jeans, a simple tee shirt and a leather jacket (can you tell I really love my leather jackets)?

Your blog aesthetic is beautiful. Who takes the majority of your photos?

I work with a photographer named Alicia Lewin. She is incredible! You can find her here: http://www.alicialewinphotography.com/

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Chase after your dreams and don’t listen to the critics! Being in the public eye can be challenging at times. There is always someone that is going to critique you. Don’t listen to them! Do what makes you happy and makes you feel confident. Life shouldn’t be about pleasing others, it should be about pleasing yourself and inspiring those who share your same vibe.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned that you want to pass on to all the budding fashion bloggers out there?

Stay true to yourself. We are all put on this earth with a unique story to tell so embrace who you are and what makes you different.

One thing about me that may surprise people is…

I’m 5’11” tall

Favorite way to spend the day in Denver…

My ideal day in Denver would be a hike with my dog, Angus, then maybe a little shopping and some drinks outside with friends!

My all time favorite style icon is…

Ashley Graham. She has so much confidence and is such an inspiration to me and to her followers!

Thanks so much to Raeann for sharing her story with us! Make sure to go check her out and give her a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeannlangas/ We hope her story encourages you to dream big and gives you the confidence to start your own blog or Instagram channel.

If you like what you see here be sure to follow Body Bark on Instagram, like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to stay- in-the-know!

August 30, 2017 0 comment

Beauty Fashion

6 Fall Pieces to Buy Now And Wear Later

It’s easy to get totally caught up in summer, but as kid’s clothing catalogs and the seasonal section of the grocery stores love to remind us far too soon, fall will eventually arrive. With that comes the changing of the wardrobe. Here are a few pieces we’re shopping for as we look ahead to fall (although our beach bags are still clutched firmly in hand).

Cape

No longer solely the sartorial choice of comic-book superheroes, the trench cape is your new fall best friend. Flattering with pencil skirts or narrow cropped trousers, this versatile piece will get you through wind and rain and will finally highlight your role as a real-life superhero.

Bomber jacket

On days when you need an effortlessly cool, simple style — that will keep you warm at the soccer field but still look good at drinks after work — a bomber jacket has your back. This floral embroidered edition layers perfectly over a short-sleeved Body Bark scoop-neck. Wear it to work with a skirt, or throw on a pair of skinny jeans for a dinner out.

Blazer

If you’re in the professional world (or if you’re a #girlboss in general), there’s a good chance you already have at least one go-to blazer. If not, now’s the time to start shopping for one. It’s becoming a trend in and out of the office, so it’s the perfect piece to go from office chic to happy hour classy. We like this lapel-less open-front style for its possibilities with flowy dresses and tops in a business setting, but the best thing about this classic is that it can be about as dressy or as casual as you want.

Lace-up booties

When it’s no longer warm enough to wear sandals but not quite wear-snow-boots-and-bring-flats weather, lace-up booties are a great footwear solution. Go dramatic with this pointy-toed, Jenner-inspired style, or go for a chunky heel and simple style that will fit seamlessly with just about any outfit.

Over-the-knee boots

Speaking of dramatic footwear, if you haven’t yet subscribed to the over-the-knee boot trend, this is your year. You can wear them with leggings, skinny jeans and short skirts (really!), with or without tights. They’ll instantly update any outfit, so if you like your wardrobe staples but feel like you need to spice up your rotation, try a pair of these sleek, low-slung beauties.

Body Bark Crewneck Long Sleeve

Looking for a versatile fall staple? The Body Bark Crewneck Long Sleeve is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. Not only is it extremely comfortable and cozy (seriously, it’s the softest in the market), but it can be worn alone or layered under a sweater, silk top or a jacket. Whether you’re wearing this luxury shirt snuggled up at home with a good book, at the office under a chic blazer, or just out on the town the Body Bark Crewneck Long sleeve top will leave you feeling fabulous, comfortable and chic for all occasions.

And if you get a new favorite piece, don’t forget to tag us in your outfit pics so we can look forward to fall with you: @bodybark_ or just #bodybark (if you’re using any hashtags for engagement)

July 26, 2017 0 comment

Beauty Fashion Features SheShines

#SHESHINES WITH ANIMAL ACTIVIST, PAMELA HART

Pamela Hart, the director of the Animal Law Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, never stops finding ways to help others advocate for animals.

For example: She co-founded Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV) with her law school classmate Megan Senatori, whom she calls one of the most inspirational women she knows. She was the first to teach Animal Law courses at both the University of Chicago Law School and her alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

And she didn’t stop there.

Always looking to expand the field of animal law and equip people to defend animals and treat them humanely in the first place, this Wisconsin-based lawyer is launching three new educational programs this year alone.

Body Bark caught up with Hart to hear a bit more about how she got into animal law and what inspires her to keep going.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school?

My first job after law school was working with my dad at his law firm. This was a great experience as I got to work with an excellent attorney, mentor, and, most importantly, my dad!

Did you always know you wanted to go into law and animal advocacy?

I did not always know I wanted to go to law school. In fact, I took 10 years off between Business School (undergrad) and law school. When I did return to school, I was ready! By the time I went to law school, I had already adopted Max. He was a German Shepherd mix from the ASCPA in NYC. Unfortunately, Max had seen abuse and neglect in his young life. He opened my eyes to the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. This started me down my path of animal advocacy.

What prompted you to start teaching? Have you always had an interest in education?

When I was in law school, there weren’t any animal law courses or student animal law chapters available. After graduation, I and my classmate, Megan Senatori, approached the UW Law School administration about adding the first-ever animal law course. Thankfully, they were receptive, and we were able to develop the course curriculum and introduce UW law students to animal law. A few years later, I taught the first animal law course at the University of Chicago Law School.

You’ve had so much success in the industry. When did you realize this was the direction you wanted to take your career?

I am incredibly fortunate to be able to marry my passion with my profession. I have been involved in animal protection for almost 20 years. I have my dream job!

In 2001, you co-founded SAAV. What made you feel the need for this organization?

Max inspired me to recognize and care about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. When Megan and I first met, we’d frequently talk about how we wanted to use our law degrees to help animals. We quickly realized there wasn’t a safe haven program for animals in our community, as a result, SAAV was born. We are so fortunate to have incredible partners collaborating on this program — Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) and Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS).

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. Is there any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their passion their full-time reality?

I don’t think there’s a secret sauce necessarily. I think following your passion, believing in your purpose, embracing the unknown, and surrounding yourself with amazing, supportive, inspirational female leaders along the way will make things happen.

I take it back, surrounding yourself with inspiring women IS the secret sauce.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

I’m a busy mom and attorney who leans toward professional casual. I love Body Bark because you can dress it up or down, plus it’s unbelievably comfortable. Also, every time I wear Body Bark, I think of my incredible and inspiring friend, Catherine Poirier. Not only is she the founder of Body Bark, she is one of my dearest friends and favorite people on the planet.

One thing about you that may surprise people is…

I play a mean game of H-0-R-S-E with my kids. I’m in it to win.

Favorite way to spend the day in Madison, Wisconsin…

Summertime in Madison is the best! Whether it’s enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes, strolling around the world-class farmers market, or taking in the view at the Union, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Joyce Tischler, founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

—

Body Bark is so grateful to Pamela for filling us in on her career and how she helps make the world a better place for animals and humans alike! Want to know more about her story? Check out this article, and shop her Body Bark look here. We’ll be back soon with more from another inspiring boss woman!

June 21, 2017 0 comment

Features

#SheShines with Serial Entrepreneur, Becki Silverstein

Becki Silverstein, 30, of Solon, Ohio, practiced her sales skills early, offering pencils to family members for 10 cents each as a 10-year-old. But despite her entrepreneurial spirit, she didn’t start her first business until a few years after earning her degree in Communications from John Carroll University.

Once she started, though, she took off. Today, she’s the owner of Rebecca Adele PR & Events, Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows and BeccaBee Photography. She’s also the co-owner of Bump to Bows: A Mommy Boutique Show and the owner and inventor at Little Iguana Mama. Read on to find out how she unconventionally made the leap from corporate employee to entrepreneurial firecracker.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school? Or did you immediately dive into business ownership?

My first job after school was as a public relations coordinator for Keathley Advertising. I started as a PR coordinator and advanced to Account Coordinator and Traffic Manager. While there, I wore several hats as we were a small advertising agency, so I became well versed in PR, social media, account work, event planning — and the list goes on!

What prompted you to start your first business, Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows? How did everything go down?

Never would I have imagined going into business for myself at the age of 25.

Growing up, I attended a variety of art and craft events with my mother on the weekends. After college, while I worked in advertising, I began taking cake-decorating classes at a local craft store to feed my creative energy.

Upon completing the courses, I came up with the idea to sell my crafts at local arts and craft shows for fun. As I started to attend these shows, I noticed there was a large generation gap between what appealed to me versus the veteran craft scene attendees and crafters. It was only a matter of time before the entrepreneurial wheels in my head began to turn. I began to toy with the idea of starting a new generation of art and craft events, focusing on unconventional, funkier and out-of-the box items. Basically, this would be a show that would wipe away the stereotypical stigma of arts and craft shows being focused on potholders, stockings and doilies. Thus, I launched my first show, known as the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, shortly after my 25th birthday in June 2011.

I quickly began to realize there definitely was a market for this, and I was excited. It was also thrilling to be able to combine my love of the arts with my event planning, social media and public relations background. Because of that, I was able to take these shows and begin to transform the local arts scene in my community. While the process was exciting, moonlighting as an entrepreneur while working a full-time job during the week was definitely trying. My family would actually joke that I worked two full-time jobs, which actually was pretty true. Eventually something had to give.

Soon after landing the cover of a major local magazine for its arts and entertainment issue, I was brought into the office at my current job and told by the owners that they needed someone 100 percent committed to the agency. It was their fear that I wasn’t that person, as my side job was taking off and, at times, taking time away from my full-time job. I was fired on April 24, 2012 after growing my career and having one idea of a future in my head. At the time, I was devastated, especially never having been fired from a job and because I wasn’t planning on losing my job or going solo for at least a few years, if at all.

Looking back on it, losing my job was the push I needed to fly from the nest and spread my wings. Without that, I could have missed one of the greatest life adventures and opportunities I’ve experienced to date.

What steps did you take to prepare for your business launches, and how did you know you were ready?

To be honest, I didn’t prepare; I just took each day as it came in figuring out the process. It may have been more of a learning curve, but it definitely taught me a lot along the way on what works and what doesn’t work. There was a lot of tweaking and many lessons to be learned, but it was all hands-on, which gave me, at the end of a day, a true and in-depth understanding of my businesses and how they worked.

You’ve had so much success in the greater Cleveland market. When did you realize your side project was more than a hobby and could be a solid career path?

I was actually on vacation at a friend’s wedding in Jamaica when I was still working at my ad agency job. I remember thinking that I would love to be able to do this — “this” being travel and still work and dictate my life and my own choices when it came to my career. I wasn’t ready quite then to quit my day job (although the day I came back from that trip was the day I was let go from my job), but I knew that I was onto something. I figured I’d give it a year or two before thinking or going full-time, but it was on that vacation in the computer lobby in Jamaica answering business emails that I realized I had a business that was profitable and that I could run anytime and from anywhere. It was then I decided that eventually my art show business may and could really be something I could do full-time.

You recently became a mom! How has little Jake changed the way you approach business?

He’s the light of my life! Jake has definitely made me rethink what is worth my time and what isn’t. I don’t live to work; I work to live. That means saying no sometimes, whether that looks like passing on a photoshoot, moving an art show around, closing the computer down early or taking a day off work (I don’t work on Fridays, so I can spend the whole day with him). Having my son has really made me try to be more aware and line up my priorities. By all means, I haven’t mastered it yet, and it’s a constant struggle to balance being an entrepreneur, wife and mom, but it’s nice at the end of the day that I decide what I want to do with my time. So if a project isn’t something I’m in 100 percent, then I won’t take it on. Family is first.

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. As a PR professional, event planner and photographer, what has been the most challenging part of running your own companies? Any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream their full-time reality?

Again, it’s a life-work balance. That’s something I don’t have, and I’m not sure I’ll ever fully grasp it! When I was actually in the hospital after I had my son, I had my laptop with me and was getting work done while my son slept! That’s how crazy it can be — if I don’t work, then the business doesn’t work. There is no true vacation; I’m always connected. So I definitely struggle with that balance of finding “me time” and working. When my office is right down the hall from my family room, it’s easy to work the night away. Sometimes you just have to shut everything off and walk away for the night, which is VERY difficult for me to do!

I wouldn’t say there is a secret sauce. Don’t expect results overnight. A lot of people want immediate results, and if they don’t get them fast enough, they quit. I had to work for quite some time juggling a full-time job during the day and working on my dream job at night. So I put in the hours. Don’t skimp, don’t skip steps, don’t give up and don’t lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Set yourself a goal or a deadline, a tangible for when you want to go full-time. Will it be a year from today? A dollar amount in the bank? Whatever it is, set yourself a goal. This will keep you from fear of flying (leaving your 9 to 5 for safety), and it will keep you focused because you have a goal to meet. Either way, setting your sights on when you can go off on your own will either force you to do it (so you don’t get cold feet) or keep you in line so you don’t leave your 9 to 5 too prematurely.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

My style is definitely trendy and sparkly! Dare I say gaudy mixed with class? I love classic designers, but I like to pair them with trendy items to make my look my own. In the picture of me, I’m actually wearing a vest that is an original design by one of my vendors, plus a resin-based cicada glitz wing necklace paired with my Body Bark shirt. I really love mixing unusual pieces that are one of a kind with classic pieces like the Body Bark shirt. I love a little bit of bling in almost every outfit!

Vest by Sew Chicky by Sai

Necklace by Terra Artistry

What’s one thing about you that may surprise people?

I don’t like to think big picture. It overwhelms me. I literally take each piece of all my business ventures, and my life in general, piece by piece. Because my mind is racing with ideas and to-do’s, if I try to think of a five-year plan or even a five-month plan, it overwhelms me. If I can break each task down to a to-do list and check it off as I go, I can accomplish almost anything I set my mind to. If you ask me to write a business plan or anticipate my year coming up and what my goals are, chances are I won’t be able to, or I’ll lose interest. I love to plan, but I hate planning for long term what-ifs. It’s just not me. Two of my businesses I actually launched within a month because I dived head first and never looked back. When I get an idea, I run with it and have tunnel vision. I’m not one to wait, write it out and overthink it. If I think I have a winner, I’ll go with it. Oh, and I absolutely hate meetings, or meetings to plan meetings! Let’s just get it done and stop talking about it!

And a fun fact? I had a petting zoo in my backyard for my 30th birthday. Yep. It included llamas, chickens, rabbits, goats, a mini pig and a mini horse. It was the best idea I’ve ever had, and everyone had a blast. We live on a golf course, so we had to get it approved by the homeowner’s association. Seeing golfers drive by looking at us like, “What the heck?” was worth it all on its own!

What’s your favorite way to spend the day in Cleveland?

I really enjoy visiting local fairs and festivals during the summer and being outdoors. In the summer, I really love attending concerts all over the Cleveland and Akron area and being out with friends. On a weekend, I love to go to my favorite karaoke bar, Nitros, with friends. The company is great, and the entertainment is priceless!

Who’s your all-time favorite boss-lady mentor?

I find Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank to be amazing. I read her life story book and was truly inspired by her drive and tenacity. I really admire someone who is self-made and, no matter what, is determined to make it happen. I’m a firm believer that motivation isn’t something you can be taught. You either have it or you don’t, and she has it.

—
Thanks for spending this time with us, Becki! You can learn more about Becki on the Rebecca Adele PR & Events website and shop the staples from her Body Bark look here. Join us again soon for another chat with a boss lady who shines!

Contact Becki through any of her amazing businesses:

Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows

Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Becca Bee Photography

Bump to Bows- A Mommy Boutique Show

Little Iguana Mama

May 15, 2017 0 comment